A composting appliance comprising: (a) at least a first container capable of containing compostable materials; (b) a first temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of either: (i) the first container; or (ii) the compostable materials contained in the first container; (c) a heating element in thermal communication with the first container configured to heat the first container to multiple temperature points; (d) a programmable controller in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and the heating element, wherein the programmable controlled is programmed to heat the container to at first temperature point and the second temperature point. A method of composting comprising the steps: (a) containing compostable material in a first container; (b) heating the compostable materials contained in the first container to a first temperature; (c) heating the compostable materials contained in the first container to a second temperature; and (d) composting the compostable material contained in the first container to compost. A kit comprising: (a) a composting appliance comprising: (i) at least a first container capable of containing compostable materials; (ii) a first temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of either: the first container; or the compostable materials contained in the first container; (iii)a heating element in thermal communication with the first container configured to heat the first container to multiple temperature points; (iv)a programmable controller in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and the heating element, wherein the programmable controlled is programmed to heat the container to the first temperature point and the second temperature point; and (b) a unit dose article comprising a composting bacterium configured to be dosed into the composting appliance.
